carroll Posted January 27, 2013 Share Posted January 27, 2013 Hello everyone, Can you let me know what the 12 best flies would be so I can start shopping. There are so many choices. I want to carry minimal gear so wanted to carry 1-2 dozen of the best for rainbows. Can you let me know the best hook sizes for rivers and lakes. Thanks! Carroll. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishinglibin Posted January 27, 2013 Share Posted January 27, 2013 Hi Carroll, are you looking for dry or wet flies or both? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 420FLYFISHIN Posted January 27, 2013 Share Posted January 27, 2013 that is a very open question. i would take 2 dozen to the lake and another 2 dozen for the river. Lake: damsels dragon fly scuds chrominids leaches saw bugs caddis (of a few verieties) mayflies (same as above) attractor nympfs carry specials half and full backs rivers: San jean worms leaches back swimmers chrominids bait fish big streamers stone flies caddis may flies hope this helps, i would recommend setting $100+ aside for boxes and flies but it will probably be more. It will be a mix of both nymphs and drys and i wold say 3-5/pattern so you have enough for the day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gil Posted January 27, 2013 Share Posted January 27, 2013 For the Bow, I'd consider the following: Nymphs: SJW #10 and #14 for the winter Prince nymph #14 Copper John #14 Z wing Caddis #14 Stone nymph Dry Stimulator for stones/hoppers various sizes Hopper patterns various sizes Caddis parachutes 18 - 14 BWO 18 PMD 18 Streamers Muddler minnow Bow river Bugger Leech patterns Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mitchell0724 Posted January 28, 2013 Share Posted January 28, 2013 It can be difficult to narrow down flies into such small numbers but if I were to do so these would be my choices... I'm going to go with about 20 flies Dries -Adams size 14 -Tan Elk Hair Caddis size 14 -Yellow Stimulator size 12-10 -Blue Winged Olive (bwo) size 16 -Pale Morning Dun size 16-18 Nymphs -Hares Ear size 12-14 -Prince Nymph size 12-16 -Pheasant Tail Nymph sizes 12-16 -LaFontaine's Sparkle Pupa size 12-16 -Pats Rubber Leg Stonefly size 8-12 -Any Damsel or Dragonfly nymph can work Streamers -Wooly Bugger size 8-12 -Clouser Minnow (olive/white) -Double Bunny size BIG -MOAL leach size BIG Others -Red San Juan Worms (I like size 10s) -Water Boatmen size 12-16 -Hoppers size 10-16 -Foam Wasps work really well size 12 -Dragonflies or Damsel dries Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mitchell0724 Posted January 28, 2013 Share Posted January 28, 2013 Aww it's hard to leave out chironomids so throw in these Zebra midge size 18-14 Brassies size 18-14 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonAndersen Posted January 28, 2013 Share Posted January 28, 2013 Carroll, Here are some ideas from several of the finest anglers in N. America http://flyguys.net/blog/fly-patterns/chironomids/john-kents-top-ten-chironomid-patterns http://forum.nlft.org/index.php?showtopic=4351 Plus here is some additions that may might be considered are: Boatman and swimmer pattern - google - lots out there Dry golden and salmon fly patterns - stimulator Catatonic leech Catch ya' Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironfly Posted January 28, 2013 Share Posted January 28, 2013 420, you really wouldn't include backswimmers for lakes? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 420FLYFISHIN Posted January 28, 2013 Share Posted January 28, 2013 i was thinking about that after i posted it, its not one that produces too many fish for me on the lake but i also dont give it much time on the line to prove me wrong lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hawgstoppah Posted February 5, 2013 Share Posted February 5, 2013 If I could only have 12 in my box. #1 ) Clouser Minnow #2 ) San Juan Worm wire wrap #3 ) Hare's Ear #4 ) Prince Nymph #5 ) Hoppers/Stones (foam) #6 ) Leeches #7 ) Traditional Adams #8 ) Elk Hair Caddis #9 ) Boatman #10 ) Pale Morning Dun #11 ) Chironomids / Midges #12 ) Stonefly Nymphs Now having said that I'd likely tailor my box to suit the time of year and fishing destination, but those 12 I'd always have in the box, they have proven time and time again over the years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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